2006 Gary Air Show

Wednesday, August 9, 2006 7:10 AM

2006 Gary Air Show featuring the US Air Force Thunderbirds

Gary, IN – The Lake County CVB and the City of Gary will be hosting the 7th Annual Gary Air Show featuring the US Air Force Thunderbirds on September 2 – 4 over the beaches of Lake Michigan in Gary. A host of military and civilian aircraft performers will showcase their talents at this 3-day event through Labor Day weekend. As in the previous 6 years, the air show offers free admission, free parking, and free shuttle service to the beach.

More than a half million people are expected to travel to the beautiful beaches of Marquette Park and Miller Beach in Gary to witness one of the greatest air spectacles in the Midwest. The US Air Force Thunderbirds will headline the Gary Air Show for the first time this year. “The addition of the USAF Thunderbirds to our line-up is such a thrill for the region,” added Wil Davis, organizer of this year’s event. “We are ecstatic that we have been selected to host the Thunderbirds this year and know that those in attendance will witness a show on the Gary, Indiana beaches the likes of which they’ve never seen here.”

Speros A. Batistatos, FCDME, President/CEO of the LCCVB, stated, “This is an opportunity for Gary and Lake County to showcase our beautiful lakefront to more than a half million visitors.”

A premier air demonstration squadron, the Thunderbirds perform around the world showcasing their precision aerial maneuvers and demonstrating the capabilities of the high-performance of the F-16 aircraft. The air demo is a mix of 6 aircraft that perform both formation flying and solo routines and most famous for their 4 aircraft diamond formation. The Thunderbirds perform close to 40 maneuvers in one demonstration.

The 2006 Gary Air Show will feature the following military and civilian line-ups:

MILITARY

US Air Force Thunderbirds

US Army Golden Knights

F-18 Demonstration Team

B-1 Bomber

T-38’s

CIVILIAN

Lima Lima Flight Team

Dave Dacy Air Show Team

(featuring Tony Kazian in the Super Stearman Wingwalking Team and Joe Dooley flying his Pitts Special)

Firebirds Delta Aerobatic Team

(featuring the Sukhoi SU 29)

Blue Angel Jet 7

Visitors can get to the Marquette Park beaches via buses that will transport spectators from two free parking lots on US 20 between County Line Road and Lake Street in the Miller Beach section of Gary, Indiana. Both parking and the shuttle will be free for all in attendance.

Guests are encouraged to bring portable radios to hear live play-by-play of the air events broadcast all three days on WGVE, Gary’s Voice of Education, 88.7 FM. Herb Hunter, the official Gary Air Show announcer, and special guest Speros A. Batistatos, President/CEO of the LCCVB will provide commentary throughout the event.

Air activities will run from 12:00pm to 4:00pm each day. Best viewing area for the show is Marquette Park and Beach. There will be concession items available for purchase near the Marquette Park Aquatorium.